Single Solenoid Valve for Variable Intake Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-cylinder internal-combustion engines require multiple solenoid valves and fluid accumulators for variable intake valve actuation, leading to complexity and increased component count, which is not optimized for compact engines.
Innovation Solution
A system where two or more intake valves are controlled by a single solenoid valve, with pressurized-fluid chambers connected via a common solenoid valve to a shared exhaust channel, reducing the number of solenoid valves, accumulators, and fluid tanks, and utilizing non-return valves for improved fluid passage area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple solenoid valves and fluid accumulators are used for variable intake valve actuation in multi-cylinder engines, then each cylinder can be independently controlled, but the system complexity and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the control of multiple cylinders into a single solenoid valve system. The first and second cylinders share a common solenoid valve that controls pressurized fluid distribution to their respective intake valves through a unified control circuit, reducing the total number of solenoid valves while maintaining independent variable actuation capability for each cylinder
Solution Approach 2:
The single solenoid valve performs multiple functions by controlling pressurized fluid to different cylinders at different times. The valve system is designed to selectively supply pressurized fluid to the first or second cylinder based on engine operating conditions, making the solenoid valve a universal control element for variable intake valve actuation across multiple cylinders
2Device complexity
If a single solenoid valve controls multiple cylinders, then system complexity is reduced, but the intake strokes must be sufficiently distant in time
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes the periodic nature of the four-stroke engine cycle to time the activation of the single solenoid valve. The solenoid valve is activated during specific periodic intervals corresponding to the intake strokes of different cylinders, ensuring that when one cylinder is receiving pressurized fluid, the other cylinder is in a different phase of its cycle where fluid supply is not required
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed with timing mechanisms that prepare the fluid distribution in advance. The solenoid valve control circuit is configured to supply pressurized fluid to the appropriate cylinder before its intake stroke begins, ensuring that the single valve can effectively serve multiple cylinders without interference by anticipating the timing requirements of each cylinder's cycle
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This simplifies the engine system, reducing encumbrance, electronic control complexity, and wiring, while maintaining flexibility in varying intake valve opening times and strokes, particularly benefiting compact two-cylinder engines for small vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
each provided with respective elastic return means that push the valve towards a closed position
Implementation Method 2
interposition of hydraulic means including a pressurized-fluid chamber
Implementation Method 3
said pressurized-fluid chamber being designed to be connected by means of a solenoid valve to an exhaust channel
Implementation Method 4
two respective second non-return valves that enable the passage of fluid only from each of the two pressurized chambers towards said by-pass channel
Data Source
AI summary
An internal-combustion engine provided with a simplified system for variable actuation of the valves, which envisages for two different engine cylinders a single solenoid valve that controls connection to an exhaust channel of two pressurized chambers associated to the intake valves of the two different cylinders.